Somers Attacks Malloy For Seaside Park

Lieutenant governor candidate Heather Somers on Monday echoed earlier Republican criticisms that Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's plan to turn Seaside Park in Waterford into a state park is a "political gambit a month before an election."

The Seaside Sanatorium is a 32-acre abandoned property, and Malloy announced earlier this month it would become Connecticut's 108th state park.

"The Seaside Park is just the latest example of an administration which operates as a dictatorship without taking input from local leaders who know their communities best," Somers said at a press conference Monday.

"The people of Waterford, including their diligent First Selectman Dan Steward, should determine the future of this property adn the massive potential of both its public use and its development."

After Malloy's plan was announced, Steward, the Republican First Selectman, said he was disappointed that he was left out of the discussions. Sen. Len Fasano at the time blasted Malloy for failing to consult with the town's leader; he also attended the press conference with Somers Monday.

A Malloy spokesman earlier this month said Malloy has directed state agenceis to conduct public hearings in Waterford as part of the park planning process and to report back in January with recommendations.

"The governor wants an open and collaborative planning process and he wants the community to be involved," Malloy spokesman David Bednarz said earlier this month.